Blade fan wallet system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A blade fan wallet allows multiple cards to be carried in a case. The case opens and the cards are fanned out and allow for easy selection. The case has an opening in the front so allow for improved vision and access to the cards. The case could be spring-loaded, have a lock or have a minimalist presence to improve the use and make it easy to carry. The cards carried in the case are placed in a slot that holds the card along the edges.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wallets and card carriers, and more specifically, to a blade fan wallet system that allows for the efficient storage and rapid dispensing of cards, particularly those used to make purchases.

2. Description of Related Art

Wallets and card carriers are well known in the art and are effective means to hold and carry cash money, credit cards, business cards, pictures and the like on a person such as in a pocket. For example, a wallet will have multiple slots to hold cards such as a driver's license and a credit card. A pocket or larger slot is for holding bills of money. Pictures, notes and other business cards can also be stored. The common wallet is then folded and placed in a pocket to be carried. Likewise, a card carrier is a case of sorts that holds credit cards and identification cards in slots. The wallet or card carrier when needed is removed from the pocket, opened and the card or cash that is needed is located and used. A card must be returned and then the wallet or card carrier stored again.

One of the problems commonly associated with common wallets and card carriers is their limited efficiency. For example, when a card is needed the whole wallet or carrier must be opened and searched. If the card is one that is not commonly used it can be difficult to locate. The time needed to locate the card and the exposure of the contents of the wallet or carrier risks the loss or enticement of theft.

Additionally, replacing the card in a card carrier is difficult as the card must be properly aligned in order to enter the slot to be stored. If the cards are not properly stored, then the card carrier will not close properly. It is not uncommon to have to remove an additional card in order to replace the card that was removed for use.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of wallets and card carries, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front views of a blade fan wallet system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an arrangement of slots of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional top views of a simplified embodiment of the system of FIG. 3 in use;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of storing and using a card.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional wallets and card carriers. Specifically, the present invention provides means to rapidly locate, use and replace a card within a storage shell. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict front views of a blade fan wallet system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 101 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional wallets and card carriers.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 101 includes a case 119 formed from a first shell 105 pivotally attached to a second shell 103 via hinge 107. The first shell 105 and second shell 103 for an opening 109 in the center and therebetween that passes from the front surface 113 of each. The hinge 107 also holds a slot 111 or an arrangement of slots between the first shell 105 and the second shell 103. The first shell 105 and second shell 103 are secured in a closed position by locking device 115.

In use, the second shell 103 pivots away from the first shell 105 as depicted by motion A. The slot 111 also pivots with the second shell 103 and this motion exposes a card 117 that is then removed for use as depicted by motion B. After use, the card 117 is replaced and the second shell 103 and slot are pivoted towards the first shell 105 to close the system and the locking device 115 secures the first shell 105 to the second shell 103.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that the opening 109 allows the first shell 105 and the second shell 103 to easily pivot apart to open and allow access to the card 117 stored in the slot therein.

Referring now to FIG. 2 an assembly of slots 111 is depicted. The assembly 201 includes a first slot 203, a second slot 205 and a third slot 207 pivotally attached about a hole 215 in each of the slots. The hole 215 is how each slot is attached to and pivots about the hinge 107. Each slot further includes a cutout 213 configured to allow a stop 209 it rest and travel therein. For example, the third slot 207 is above the second slot 205 and the stop 211 of the second slot 205 rests in the cutout of the third slot 207. Each slot further includes a jaw 217 configured to hold the edge of a card 117.

Referring now to FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment 301 of the system is depicted with the use of the assembly of slots 201 therein. The first shell 307 and the second shell 309 have a tapered body to minimize the total size thereof. When the first shell 307 and second shell 309 are slightly opened so that a space 303 is created therebetween on the top 311 that is the exact size or slightly larger than the card 117 that the card is able to exit without fully opening the embodiment 301. It will also be appreciated that in this embodiment that placement of the card is simplified in that the slots will accept the card or the group of cards 313 is inserted that the restricted space will force the cards in their respective slots. It will be understood that when the card or group of cards 313 is inserted that the slots will align the cards so that the edges of the card or cards are held by the individual slots. It will be understood and appreciated that in this way the cards self-align when they are placed therein.

In this embodiment the first shell 307 includes a pocket 305 extending outward therefrom and is configured to hold papers therein. It is contemplated that when paper money or cash is folded and stowed that the size of the pocket 305 will exert force to hold it therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B the system 101 has been simplified to further illustrate how the cards are forced into the slots. For embodiment 401, in use, the first shell 403 and second shell 405 enclose an assembly of slots 407, when a group of cards 409 is inserted through the opening between the first shell 403 and second shell 405. It will be understood that the alignment of each card in the group of cards 409 will generally not be correct. It will then be appreciated that the upper inner surface 411 and lower inner surface 413 with the assembly of slots will force the group of cards 409 to align with the individual slots as depicted by motion A.

An alternative embodiment is depicted by FIG. 5. Embodiment 501 includes a first shell 503 and a second shell 505 attached via a hinge 511. A space 507 is created between the first shell 503 and the second shell 505. In this embodiment 501 a spring 509 is attached to the first shell 503 and second shell 505 to ensure that movement of the second shell 505 with respect to the first shell 503 is automatic. It is contemplated that the spring 509 could facilitate the opening or closing motion.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a method of storing and using a card is depicted. Method 601 includes opening the first shell via the second shell 603, inserting the cards to be stored and used 605, closing the first shell via the second shell 607, carrying the cards in the first shell and second shell 609, opening the first shell via the second shell 611, selecting a card 613, removing the card 615, using the card 617, replacing the card 619 and closing the first shell via the second shell 619 and in some embodiments securing the second shell to the first shell 621.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed:
 1. A blade fan wallet system comprising: a case that has at least a first shell and a second shell pivotally attached via a hinge; at least one slot pivotally attached to the hinge an opening in the front surface that passes to the interior of the case; wherein a card is stored in the slots; and wherein the case opens through a pivotal motion to allow access to the card in the slot therein.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first shell and second shell are secured together via a locking device;
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein a spring aids in the movement of the second shell with respect to the first shell.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the case is taped to minimize the physical presence of the system.
 5. A method of storing and using cards, comprising: opening the first shell via the second shell; inserting the cards to be stored and used; closing the first shell via the second shell; carrying the cards in the first shell and second shell; opening the first shell via the second shell; selecting a card; removing the card; using the card; replacing the card; and closing the first shell via the second shell; in some embodiments securing the second shell to the first shell via a locking device. 